Torah Portion

Overview: “Vayikra” introduces the laws of sacrifices, including burnt offerings, grain offerings, peace offerings, sin offerings, and guilt offerings. These sacrifices provide a way for the Israelites to atone for sin and maintain fellowship with God.
Commentary: The sacrificial system underscores the seriousness of sin and the need for atonement. For Messianic believers, Yeshua’s sacrifice is the ultimate fulfillment of these offerings, providing eternal atonement and reconciling humanity to God.

Overview: “Pekudei” concludes the construction of the Tabernacle. The portion accounts for all materials used and describes the assembly process. Once completed, God’s glory fills the Tabernacle, signifying His presence with Israel.
Commentary: The detailed accounting emphasizes integrity and transparency in sacred work. God’s indwelling presence in the Tabernacle symbolizes His desire to dwell among His people. Yeshua fulfills this theme as Emmanuel, “God with us,” who brings the ultimate manifestation of God’s presence.

Overview: “Vayakhel” recounts Moses gathering the Israelites to commence the construction of the Tabernacle. The portion describes the people’s generous contributions of materials and the skilled craftsmanship involved in creating the sacred objects, including the Ark, menorah, and altar.
Commentary: This portion highlights the unity of Israel in fulfilling God’s commands. The willingness of the people to give reflects the heart of true worship. For Messianic believers, the Tabernacle foreshadows Yeshua as God’s dwelling among us, who fulfills the ultimate purpose of connecting heaven and earth.

Overview: “Ki Tisa” includes the census requiring a half-shekel contribution, instructions for the bronze laver, and the anointing oil. The golden calf incident dominates this portion, showing Israel’s failure to remain faithful. Moses intercedes for the people, and God reveals His attributes of mercy. The covenant is renewed as Moses receives the second set of tablets.
Commentary: This portion reveals both human weakness and God’s immense mercy. The golden calf episode demonstrates the danger of impatience and idolatry, but Moses’ intercession reflects the power of advocacy before God. For Messianic believers, Yeshua embodies the ultimate intercessor, standing in the gap for humanity. God’s proclamation of His mercy and compassion points to His desire for restoration, even after failure.

Overview: “Tetzaveh” outlines the sacred garments for Aaron and his sons as they serve as priests, including the ephod, breastplate, robe, and turban. It also describes their consecration process and the construction of the golden altar for incense, which symbolizes intercessory prayer.
Commentary: The priestly garments reflect the honor and responsibility of those who serve before God. The breastplate, with its twelve stones, represents the tribes of Israel, showing how the priest carries the people’s needs before the Lord. Yeshua, our eternal High Priest, fulfills this role, interceding for us with the Father. The incense altar signifies the prayers of the saints, a sweet aroma before God.

Overview: “T’rumah” introduces the divine instructions for constructing the Tabernacle (Mishkan), a sacred dwelling for God’s presence among the Israelites. It details the materials to be contributed voluntarily, including gold, silver, and acacia wood, and provides the design for key items such as the Ark of the Covenant, the Table of Showbread, and the Menorah.
Commentary: The Tabernacle symbolizes the relationship between God and His people, serving as a physical reminder of His holiness. The voluntary offerings reflect the heart of worship—giving willingly and joyfully. For Messianic believers, the Ark’s mercy seat points to Yeshua, who intercedes as our High Priest, bridging heaven and earth.

Overview: “Beshalach” narrates the Israelites’ journey through the Red Sea, their experiences in the wilderness, the provision of manna and quail, and the battle with Amalek.

Overview: “Bo” covers the final plagues, including the death of the firstborn, the institution of Passover, and the Israelites’ exodus from Egypt.

Overview: “Va’eira” recounts the first seven of the ten plagues on Egypt, demonstrating God’s power against Pharaoh’s resistance.

Overview: “Shemot” marks the beginning of the Book of Exodus, detailing the Israelites’ suffering in Egypt, the birth of Moses, and his early life, culminating in his divine appointment to deliver the Israelites.